Consumer Unit Upgrades
Safe, modern electrical protection
Modern Protection for Your Home
Your consumer unit is the heart of your home's electrical safety. Our upgrade service replaces outdated fuse boards with modern metal consumer units featuring RCBO protection, surge suppression, and ample capacity for today's technology demands. Every upgrade includes a full electrical inspection, certification, and labelling.
We also plan for future expansion: smart home circuits, EV charging, and additional rooms, so your electrical system grows with your needs. Our NICEIC-registered electricians design upgrades that meet current regulations while anticipating the demands of tomorrow's technology.
For properties in Chelsea, Kensington, and Mayfair where smart home technology represents a significant investment, surge protection is particularly important. A single lightning strike or grid switching event can damage or destroy thousands of pounds of electronics. Our Type 2 SPD installations provide whole-home protection that safeguards your investment.
What We Install
RCBO Protection
Individual circuit protection against overloads, short circuits, and earth faults.
Surge Protection
Type 2 SPDs that protect all electronics from voltage spikes and transient events.
Metal Enclosure
Fire-resistant metal cabinets that meet current BS7671 regulations.
Capacity Planning
Sufficient ways and capacity for current and future circuits including EV charging.
Certification
EICR and installation certificates provided for every upgrade, notified to building control.
Minimal Disruption
Efficient upgrades completed in a single day with power off for only 4 to 6 hours.
Areas We Serve
Brands We Install
Consumer Unit FAQs
When should I upgrade my consumer unit?
You should consider upgrading your consumer unit if it is more than 25 years old, contains rewirable fuses rather than MCBs, uses a plastic enclosure rather than a metal one, lacks RCD protection on all circuits, or does not have sufficient ways for your current electrical load. Signs that an upgrade is needed include frequent tripping, inability to add new circuits, and insurance companies refusing to cover properties with outdated boards. We offer free electrical inspections to assess whether your current board needs upgrading.
What is the difference between an MCB and an RCBO?
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overloads and short circuits but does not protect against earth faults. An RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection) combines MCB protection with RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, detecting earth faults and disconnecting the circuit within 30 milliseconds. Modern consumer units use individual RCBOs for each circuit, providing superior protection and ensuring that a fault on one circuit does not trip the entire board. This is the current best practice for residential installations.
What is surge protection and do I need it?
Surge protection devices (SPDs) protect your electrical equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, grid switching, and other transient events. These spikes can damage or destroy sensitive electronics including smart home controllers, computers, televisions, and appliances. Type 2 SPDs installed at the consumer unit provide whole-home protection for all connected equipment. With the increasing value of smart home technology in luxury properties, surge protection is a worthwhile investment that we include as standard in all our consumer unit upgrades.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
A standard consumer unit upgrade for a typical four-bedroom property takes one day. The power is off for approximately 4 to 6 hours while the new board is installed and circuits are reconnected. We schedule upgrades to minimise disruption and ensure the property is fully operational by the end of the working day. For larger properties with more circuits, or where additional work such as circuit additions is required, the project may take two days.
Will I need to redecorate after a consumer unit upgrade?
In most cases, no. Consumer unit upgrades involve replacing the board in its existing location and reconnecting the existing circuits. The only visible change is the new consumer unit itself, which is typically installed in the same location as the old one. If the existing board is in a cupboard or utility room, the upgrade is completely invisible. We protect surrounding surfaces during the work and leave the area clean and tidy on completion.
What certification do you provide after a consumer unit upgrade?
We provide a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate depending on the scope of work. These certificates confirm that the installation complies with BS7671 and are required by insurance companies and mortgage lenders. We also notify the local building control authority where required under Part P of the Building Regulations. All certificates are provided in digital and paper format for your records.
Which areas do you cover for consumer unit upgrades?
We provide consumer unit upgrades throughout London and the Home Counties. In London we cover Chelsea, Kensington, Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Hampstead, and Canary Wharf. In Hertfordshire we serve St Albans, Watford, Rickmansworth, and Harpenden. In Surrey we cover Guildford, Weybridge, Cobham, and the Wentworth Estate. We also travel to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade?
Book a free electrical inspection. We will assess your current board and recommend a modern, safe replacement.